As we kick off the Wiltshire Business Awards 2020, we take a look back at last year’s winners and find out what they think about entering.

The first award of the 2019 ceremony went to a successful start-up salon from Calne.

HM Hairdressing won the Start-up Business of the Year award, which The Enterprise Network at Swindon Borough Council sponsored.

Rays Manufacturing, which runs Ray’s Ice Cream in Swindon, came second and Transport Swindon came third.

HM Hairdressing founder Helen Massimo said in her acceptance speech: “When I had the idea of setting up the business, I wanted to stand out and wanted customer service to be the highest you could receive.

"My team have been fantastic every step of the way. My friends and family thought I was nuts because I had a 20-month-old son and two other children when I started this salon. My partner has supported me and made sure I could fulfil the dream I’ve had since I was 15-years-old.”

Speaking to the Adver after stepping off the stage, Helen said: “I don’t think words can describe how I feel. I’ve always had a passion for the hairdressing industry. I started working at a salon and went up the chain to apprentice, then stylist, then managing other people’s salons to finally running my own.

“I think people like us because we’re eco-friendly and our customer service always gets good feedback.”

This new trophy follows the salon being voted Calne’s Best New Business in 2018.

Adver editor Pete Gavan said: “Our Business Awards are highly-regarded and a fantastic way to shine a light on the brilliant work Wiltshire businesses are doing.

“It’s our 26th year and we’ve continued to move with the times tweaking our categories to best represent how business is today. So please, if you run a business large or small, take the time to enter – you won’t regret it.”

We’ll be giving more information about how your business can enter in the coming weeks. For more, email wbawards@wiltshire.newsquest.co.uk